Forty Years in Santa Rosa: Built Here, Growing Here

For 40 years, Blentech has been proud to call Santa Rosa home. Blentech began in 1986 as a small local operation. Inspired by Sonoma County’s agricultural and wine industries, founder Darrell Horn initially planned to build grape-harvesting equipment before turning the company’s focus toward food processing.

Since then, Blentech has grown into a global provider of food processing equipment and automation. Our systems operate around the world, but the people, skills, and partnerships behind them remain firmly rooted in Santa Rosa.

A Community That Understands Manufacturing

Santa Rosa has been more than Blentech’s address. It has provided the talent, infrastructure, and support needed to build and grow an advanced manufacturing company.

As Blentech CEO and CRO Daniel Voit explains:

“I think the City of Santa Rosa understands what manufacturing needs. They’re on our side. There’s a wonderful depth of talent in the area.”

Sonoma County’s wine and agricultural industries have helped create a strong network of manufacturing knowledge and support. The region is home to skilled welders, people who understand computer systems, and professionals experienced in advanced manufacturing.

That range of talent is especially important at Blentech. Developing a food processing system requires people from many disciplines, including fabrication, mechanical engineering, food science, software, controls, automation, project management, and field service. Having access to those skills locally has helped us expand our capabilities while continuing to build our equipment in Santa Rosa.

Building Skills and Careers Locally

A strong manufacturing community depends on people having opportunities to learn practical, in-demand skills. Blentech has been involved in supporting local academic programs, particularly those connected to welding. Many members of our team learned their trade or developed foundational skills through local junior college programs.

A City That Has Supported Our Growth

Over four decades, Blentech has expanded its production, added new capabilities, grown its team, and increased its physical footprint.

“Blentech has been growing substantially over the years, and the City has supported us very well as we’ve expanded production, grown our teams, and increased our footprint.”

That support matters. Starting or expanding a business can require owners and leadership teams to navigate permits, licensing, zoning, facilities, financing, and multiple City departments. For someone opening a first business, expanding an established company, or considering an investment in Santa Rosa, easier access to reliable information can help move plans forward.

Growing From Our Santa Rosa Home

Our 40th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize how far Blentech has come, but our focus remains on what comes next.

We plan to continue investing in our people, expanding our capabilities, and developing the equipment and automation that food manufacturers need to operate more safely, efficiently, and consistently. We also intend to keep strengthening the relationships that make that work possible, from academic and workforce programs to local suppliers, public partners, and the broader manufacturing community.

Forty years is an important milestone, but it is not a finish line. We are proud of what we have built in Santa Rosa, grateful to the people and organizations that have supported us, and ready to continue growing here.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Learn more about the people behind Blentech’s technology or contact our team to discuss your next food processing project.